The Star of Camp Greene by Joy Callaway tells the story of Calla, a Broadway star who, while recovering from the Spanish flu, overhears military secrets. Calla is forced to stay at Camp Greene to entertain the troops and she makes friends with soldiers, the women who are there to support the troops, and Jesse, an officer.
This story was inspired by Elsie Janis, a vaudeville star, and she was asked by General Pershing to visit the American army camp. I loved learning about her and how this author incorporated what she learned into this amazing book and these strong and incredible characters.
This World War I novel, amidst the fear and devastation of war and the Spanish Flu, is full of heart and hope.
We learn about the training of our troops at a time when the army was growing. By 1918, there were more than 60,000 troops at Camp Greene. This book was meticulously researched and is rich in history. I love reading WWI and WWII books and The Star of Camp Greene did not disappoint. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy!

Broadway star Calla Connolly is doing her part for the war effort in 1918 by touring stateside training camps to entertain troops to keep their morale up. After she falls ill in Camp Greene, NC she overhears a sensitive conversation in the infirmary and is ordered to remain at Camp Greene. This restriction dashes her hopes of performing for troops on the front lines and fulfilling a promise she made to her late fiancé. Alongside the troops, Calla tries to make the best of their time at Camp Greene, facing daily fear and an uncertain future as the world navigates its way through WWI.

This isn't how Calla expected her tour would go, but that's kind of the story of her life (everybody's life, honestly). She didn't anticipate the bonds she would form with the soldiers, especially the one that started this whole mess by exposing her to classified information. During this time of turmoil, this group finds a way to bring joy, comfort, and healing into the camp through the power of music and the bonds of community.

This is my first Joy Callaway novel, so I feel like I've been handed the gift of not only this story, but her entire backlist. These characters are very richly drawn, especially Calla - a spunky woman with a big heart and a restless spirit. The Star of Camp Greene is well researched and beautifully written. This story of love, loss, fear, and bravery will stay in my heart for quite some time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the chance to read this beautiful novel prior to its publication in exchange for my honest review.

** I will post my review on IG (@bookish.moment) on May 6. Through the UpLit campaign I will also post an unboxing and a few other posts through June 6. I will update this page with links to those posts as they are live. Thank you!

I received a free DRC through Netgalley. I read a lot of historical fiction, but this book is so much more focused on romance that it detracted from the historical aspect for me. It was an interesting concept of an entertainer being confined due to overhearing confidential information, but there was just too much romance for me. I kept expecting Casper to reappear as well due to the reiteration of his body never being found, but that didn't happen at least. The writing was good and I did feel like I was at the shows with all of the descriptions.

Another beautiful story from Joy Callaway. Adore this time period and love seeing the war aspect from a new perspective, a Broadway star. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed.

The Star of Camp Greene
by Joy Callaway
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Charlotte, NC. 1918. Broadway darling Calla Connolly had it all: a rising career on the stage and a loving fiancé, a fellow stage actor. But after his tragic death early in the war, Calla is touring the American training camps, hoping to convince General Pershing to let her tour the French front to cheer the men and honor her fiancé's memory. But her hopes are dashed when she contracts Spanish flu while performing at Camp Greene.
The Star of Camp Green is a compelling read that had me putting other things off in order to keep turning the pages. Meticulously researched and full of heart, it illuminates a stateside training camp during WWI and is full of secrets, hope, jealousy, friendship, danger, and love. Readers will be eager to visit Calloway’s backlist if they aren’t already a fan.

A World War 1 home front novel draws readers into the world of secrets and entertainment.
Calla Conaway is a star from Broadway – a household name in 1918. Determined to bring joy to the soldiers fighting overseas, Calla embarks on a home front tour as a means to convince the General to send her to France. But when she contracts the Spanish Flu, she overhears an army secret and is forced to leave her aspirations behind.
Colonel Jesse Erickson would do anything to fight alongside his brothers in France, but those in charge have other plans for him. Heading up the troops at Camp Greene, Jesse finds himself entangled with the Broadway star.
This story sheds a light on how Americans prepared for war. It’s a story of how to make the best of our circumstances. And how music has no segregation and touches the lives of everyone.
I loved the descriptions of Camp life, and of the shows that Calla created. It was easy to picture (and hear) the familiar songs. The cast of characters were well developed and added depth to the story. Villains are true villains in this novel.
The only negative aspect for me, was how the secret was leaked. It wasn’t quite believable, but still made for an interesting turn in the final quarter of the book.
I received an ebook from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Southern master storyteller Joy Callaway returns following What the Mountains Remember: A Novel with her latest masterpiece, THE STAR OF CAMP GREENE—a beautifully written story inspired by Elsie Janis, a Broadway star, and the bravery of women and men who served our country in many ways while standing up for their beliefs.

Immerse yourself in the often overlooked WWI Camp Greene, NC, the unique backdrop for this gripping tale of a Broadway star's unexpected journey during WWI. This setting, rich in historical significance, adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Sometimes heroism is found in dreams deferred.

About...

When grieving Broadway star, Calla Connolly, collapses on stage at Camp Greene in Charlotte, NC, and inadvertently overhears a classified secret, her life takes an unexpected turn. Forced to stay at Camp Greene for the remainder of the war, she embarks on a journey filled with unforeseen twists and turns. The question remains, what will she do?

As Calla's journey unfolds, the question looms large- will she crumble under the weight of her circumstances, or will she find the strength to triumph? Is the camp a prison or her salvation? Will Calla realize that this detour was meant for her all along? These are the questions that will keep you turning the pages.

Meet the Characters...

Calla: Broadway Star stuck at Camp Greene
Jesse: Colonel and interim Commander of Camp Greene
Goldie: Nurse service Camp Greene
Guy: Soldier and Musician (Goldie's fiancé )
Sidney: Guy's best friend (Soldier & musician)
Juliet: Lyricist & poet (Sidney's wife)
Lenor: Calla's former mentor and (now enemy)

Charlotte, NC. 1918. The story's backdrop is WWI's tumultuous period of great upheaval and change. This setting plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences and decisions of the characters.

Calla, once having it all with a loving fiancé, a fellow stage actor. Her fiancé's death in the war leads her to tour the American training camps, hoping to tour the French front to cheer the men and while honoring her fiancé's memory. This poignant exploration of her emotional journey, filled with love, loss, and resilience, will surely resonate with readers.

But then she contracts the Spanish flu while performing at Camp Greene, overhears a sensitive Army secret, and is ordered to remain for the duration of the war, while her former mentor and rival steals her tour.

She becomes the resident performer and is close to the musician soldiers and others. Calla falls in love with the man responsible for keeping her at the camp— the mission she's sworn to keep secret threatens the men she's come to care for.

What will she do?

My thoughts...

THE STAR OF CAMP GREENE is utterly captivating, meticulously researched and rich in history and charm. You will fall in love with Calla as you follow her journey, talent, dreams, losses, hope, newfound friends, and love. Sometimes, what we need is right in front of us.

The men serving did not need her as much as she needed them. The historical inspiration will leave you feeling informed and enlightened.

Readers will be captivated by the well-developed characters, the prose, the rich historical context, the drama, and the performances. As Camp Green comes to life, the unexpected twists, filled with mystery and romance, will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to know what happens next.

THE STAR OF CAMP GREENE is not just a historical novel, but a thought-provoking exploration of how we are at our best when we offer encouragement and help to others. This message of unity and collaboration is particularly relevant today, making the book a compelling read for all. It will make you reflect on the importance of supporting each other, especially in challenging times.

Joy is a prolific writer and her ability to bring historical events to life through her characters and their experiences is genuinely remarkable. Her storytelling, filled with secrets, jealousy, friendship, romance, self-discovery, and the pivotal roles of women during wartime, is truly admirable. You will be in awe of her skill and dedication to her craft.

As a Charlotte, NC native (as in the author), I found all this fascinating, but I was unaware of the training camp in the area and its impact on the community. Hard to believe this was in my backyard. Joy is my go-to author for Southern historical fiction! You always come away learning something and inspired.

I also enjoyed learning more about Elsie Janis (born Elsie Bierbower, 1889– 1956), an American actress of stage and screen, singer, songwriter, screenwriter, and radio announcer. Entertaining the troops during WWI immortalized her as "the sweetheart of the AEF" (American Expeditionary Force). The USO was started in WWII primarily because of the WWI wartime tour of Broadway star, Elsie Janis, and financing her own tour in America and Europe.

Camp Greene was a US Army facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, during the early 20th century. In 1917, both the 3rd Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division were first organized and assembled at this camp.

Author's note...

Read the author's impressive, extensive notes for inspiration, additional reading, and resources. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. I look forward to listening to the audiobook performed by a favorite narrator, Brittany Pressley.

Interview...

I am honored to host Joy for an upcoming May #AuthorElevatorSeries QA ride as we go behind the book's scenes and up close and personal with this talented Southern storyteller. (sign up for my newsletter on my blog to have it delivered to your inbox on pub day, 5/6).

Recs...

This stunning novel is for fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Mary Ellen Taylor, Patti Callahan Henry, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Kimberly Brock, Karen White, Mary Alice Monroe, Lynda Cohen Loigman, Meagan Church, and Ariel Lawhon.

Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a gifted advanced reading copy for my honest thoughts.

Check out Joy's next Southern novel, Sing Me Home to Carolina coming (June 10, 2025)! Also a 5 STAR. (so much fun)

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
May 2025 Must-Read Books
#AuthorElevatorSeries QA

Calla Connolly is a Broadway entertainer performing at training camps for the soldiers in 1918. While she wants to be at the front lines in France, she ends up on an extended tour at Camp Greene in Charlotte, NC after contracting the Spanish flu, and overhearing some top-secret information. She forms deep friendships with some of the soldiers who are musicians. Calla is well-loved by all and someone you will want as your best friend. A page turner that has you guessing all the way to the very end. You will not want to put this book down. A 5-star read!

Thanks to #netgalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed Calla and Jesse’s story, and the enemies to lovers trope. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially World War era. I enjoyed learning about the history aspects of what a military training camp was like, and the characters throughout the story. At times, I disliked Calla for her ignorance and as much as I wanted to like her for her selflessness, it almost became hard to understand her reasoning for some of the things she did in the book. I wish there had been further development into the segregation issues, and more about the actual war time events, but overall I truly enjoyed this story.

I really enjoyed this novel, I enjoyed that it was set in WW1 at Camp Greene in North Carolina. There were many elements that together held my attention and kept me interested. I loved the character of Calla and her drive to find a way to get to the front to entertain troops. When Calla contracts the Spanish Flu and her recovery is complicated by the secrets she has overheard, we get the opportunity to learn more about the camp and Calla gets a chance to put her musical skills to use.

It had great historical details, heartbreak, romance, second chances, and it highlighted the importance of music and the arts to bring light where there is darkness. I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Focus for the ARC.

This World War I novel is full of heart and hope amidst the fear and devastation of war and the Spanish Flu. Calla is a likeable main character, and Jesse Erickson’s self-sacrificial sense of duty makes up for some initial poor choices. I loved that he felt comfortable showing his true emotions to Calla without feeling it reduced his masculinity. This novel will appeal to other readers who enjoy closed-door historical romances. I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review will also be posted on Amazon and Instagram within a week of publication.

Content notes for readers who want to know: off-page death, some mentions of violence, mentions of affair and divorce, mentions of premarital sex, closed-door scenes with some descriptive kissing

Calla is a Broadway star entreating the troops at camp green during WW1 when she gets the Spanish flu. she overhears secret information. good story

Calla Connolly is a Broadway star during WWI who is performing for the Army at Camp Greene when she comes down with the Spanish flu. Not only is she forced to slow down, she accidentally hears classified information and is forced to stay at Camp Greene for an extended period of time and not move on to the front lines in France. This story will make you laugh and cry with the friendships and camaraderie in the face of uncertainty in war. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another 5⭐️ book!

The Star of Camp Greene tells the story of Calla, a Broadway star who, while recovering from the Spanish flu, overhears military secrets and is forced to stay at Camp Greene. While there, she entertains the troops and makes friends with a wide cast of soldiers, women there to support the troops, and Jesse, an officer who longs to go to the front lines with his troops.

I loved this story. I loved the message that runs through the novel -that everyone has gifts to share and everyone can make a difference in the lives of others. The book was very uplifting.

One of the things I love about historical fiction is that I always learn new things. WWII fiction is always plentiful, but not so much WWI fiction. This was a nice change, learning about the training of our troops at a time when the army was growing at such a fast pace that there were more than 40,000 troops at Fort Greene.

This was the first book of Joy Calloway’s that I’ve read. I most certainly will be reading more!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book. I like historical fiction, but sometimes, it can be told very stiffly in the third person. By sharing Calla's story in the first person, I could totally immerse myself in the story. When I recommend fiction to my students with a historical context, I like to share other materials and the references to film and stage at the time as well as the intricacies of World War 1 make this a perfect companion for students studying that period in history. I also know that many of my students aren't familiar with singers, actors, and comics going to the front lines to help keep up morale and I loved that this talked about that period in our history so well. I'm also doing research on grief currently and this wrote so well about what so many experience when they lose a loved one, making it a realistic read for people who have gone through the tragedy of losing a partner.

I love Joy Callaway's prose. This made for a quick and easy read that I couldn't put down.
Add this to your TBR list!

Imagine if Taylor Swift was performing at a military camp, overheard a war secret, then was forced to remain at the camp under false pretenses. THAT is this novel, with fictional star Calla Connolly in the spotlight. AND it is so well done. Spectacular writing and a compulsive storyline really make this book sing. It's another winner by Joy Callaway!

Set in. 1917, Calla Connolly is the darling of Broadway, and has been in show business since she was 12. Grieving over the loss of her British soldier boyfriend, she wants to go to the front to cheer the troops in his honor. But instead, she’s first assigned to Camp Greene outside of Charlotte, NC. While there and recovering from the Spanish flu, she overhears a secret that wasn’t for anyone else’s ears except the top military brass. Because of this, she is told she must remain at Camp Greene until the end of the war and is assigned a chaperone in the army - Lt. Jack Erickson to make sure she doesn’t divulge the secret. They devise a story that she is remaining at the camp by her choice, as a way of showing the appreciation to all who saved her life. Devastated, she first is angry and blames everyone and pleads her case at every chance to go overseas. But as she begins to open herself up to helping the people in the camp,, she grows as a musician and as a person, and realizes maybe she doesn’t need to go overseas to make a difference.

This is an auto-buy author for me, and this is my favorite of hers yet While it is historical fiction (I never knew Camp Greene existed, and I was born in NC and have lived here all my life!), it leans heavily into romance, with the slow burn attraction between Calla and Jack. This book appeals to all the senses: from seeing the camp and all the trenches and the men as they train, to smelling the Palmolive soap Jack uses in his hair, to hearing the sounds of the camp musicians as Calla trains them, to tasting the cornbread that is “like sand” (okay, I beg to differ here, but a Northern born person probably does wonder about our love of cornbread and grits), to the touching between Calla and Jack as their friendship deepens into something more. The author transports us to this camp, and the highs and lows of war and camp life. I highly recommend this one!

As a historical fiction reader, I always seek historical fiction that sets itself apart, especially if it is a WW2 novel. The Star of Camp Greene was one of those books for me. Not only did I feel like it had a fresh pov (meaning one I haven't seen before when reading a WW2 novel), but it had me turning pages. I had never read anything by this author before, but now I can't wait to read more of her books!

This was a fantastic read that I couldn't put it down nor did I want to.
I absolutely adored the main character! I loved in getting to know her.
Calla is a wonderful person that loves to entertain and help keep up the soldier's spirits while in camp.
I really admired her for her selfless acts and even found myself rooting for her along the way. She's truly a joy to watch her come into herself.
I love that God is among these people as they struggle through everyday life and even the ones whose lives were torn upside down from the war and flu.
That's all I'll say because I don't want to give nothing else away.
This is a true test of friendship and faith that God is always near.

A beautifully written story about a woman hero and the importance of fighting for your country and for yourself.